Tara Murray
Deer Park is hoping to build on last season as it aims to go one step further in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division.
The Parkers made last season’s grand final before falling short against Melbourne in the decider.
Deer Park head of bowls operations and player Mark Casey said they understand that they had a very good year last year, but also know the areas that we need to improve on.
“The players are certainly hungry to do well this year,” he said.
“We have been able to add in three interstate players in Aron Sherriff, Ryan Bester and Sean Ingham which we are delighted about.
“Sherriff and Bester are two of the world’s best and Ingham is a young talented player from Queensland so we are looking forward to seeing what they can add to our mix this year.
“Outside Sherriff, Bester and Ingham, we have been able to pick up Tom Hicks and Andy Forster from Geelong, as well as local players Rick Orchard and Connor McGuire.
“Unfortunately, we lost Alex Marshall and Aaron Teys though, along with David Holt and Rhys Jeffs.”
The Parkers are hoping that the addition of the new players, along with the development of some of their younger players will help them improve.
He highlighted one of their young stars to watch this season, Koby Cromie. Cromie won the under-18 doubles national title earlier this month.
“He’s only 15 and has the bowls world at his feet,” he said.
“Koby was very good for us last year, but already we have noticed he has gone to a new level so he’s going to be an important part of our side this year. We can’t wait to see how far Koby can go.”
The Parkers have plenty of depth this season and with it has set high expectations. As well as success in premier division, Casey said they were aiming from their division 2 side to earn promotion into division 1.
The Parkers started their premier division season with a loss to Melbourne in the grand final match.
On Saturday, the Parkers easily accounted for Yarraville Footscray.
It’s been a big 12 months for the club, after finishing runners up, the club won the first Victorian Bowls League.
Casey said it was the first major title for the club.
“To be the first team to win the VBL was a great honour and something the club and members are very proud of,” he said.
“We think that result will be the start of something special at the Deer Park Club.”
